I aquired a ADH Bulldozer that needs a bit of work that I know I won't get done this year. It will be outside uncovered which is how I imagine it has been most of it's life. What could or should I do to help it winter over? There is no antifreeze in the cooling system so I know I should drain the water in both the block and radiator but what about the water pump? How about the exposed hydraulic pistons, can they be coated to prevent rust? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
I think there's a plug or fitting on the water pump you can open. I've seen it where enough water sits on the bottom of the bottom radiator tank to break the casing when freezing. Make sure the radiator is completely drained.
I think after I drained the cooling system, I would pour some methanol through everything to push the water out and be extra insurance against freezing.
Park the tractor on some wooden boards or fence posts if you want to move it this winter. Otherwise, it may be frozen down.
Blake
I always put a little anti freeze in the radiator and run it just enough to circulate it into the waterpump and bottom of the engine. I would say a gallon would do. You could spread some grease on the cylinders to protect them, but I have seen alot of cylinders sit for a very very long time and have no or little rust on them. Definately park it on wood or fenceposts as Blake said. Get a tarp or canvas to throw over it. The exhaust is the main place where water gets in and freezes the engine. Some of the Cletrac exhausts have the flange on the outside of the pipe so the water will run down the pipe and into the engine. my advice is to take the pipe off and cover the hole with a big piece of metal or a good flat rock.
Good luck,
Bob
Thanks for the good advise. I will follow it.